Big lift for Lochaber High School

A 500-tonne crane erected a large pre-fabricated roof section above the maths department. This is the latest milestone in the £ 31 million refurbishment of the 850-pupil school.

Main contractor, Robertson Construction (Northern) and lifting contractor James Jack Lifting Services from Invergordon successfully carried out the lift of 4 roof sections weighing up to 20 tonne each.

Head teacher Jim Sutherland reports that work is progressing well all around the school.

He said: “We are all delighted with the huge improvements taking place to transform the Lochaber High campus into an education environment fit for the 21st century.

“The hall will be re-opened after the Easter holidays and, most significantly, the new central block and main entrance is taking shape and is now wind and watertight.

“We’re currently planning to move into this block in the autumn when we will benefit from a new office/reception; library/resource centre; kitchen; restaurant and social area; staffroom; S6 common room; HT and DHT offices and toilets.

“Further refurbishment work is about to start in Pupil Support, Science, Music, Art, Maths and English to complete the Lochaber 21 refurbishment and rebuilding project in 2015.”